SSS-Class Overlord: My Harem Rules the Realms (18+)
Chapter 39: Defeated him?

Chapter 39: Defeated him?

Ethan stood once again in the boundless obsidian plane of his mindscape. Flickering lights

floated like fireflies over the dark floor, and a faint breeze whispered through the endless void.

Before him loomed the towering figure of Vandelion—the legendary Knight Grandmaster. Even at

0.1% power, the man’s mere presence felt like an avalanche waiting to fall.

Vandelion regarded Ethan calmly, steel-gray eyes gleaming with faint amusement. His silvery

armor shimmered under an unseen light, and a crimson cape rippled behind him like a spill of

blood.

"Well then," Vandelion said, voice like gravel rolling over stone. "Show me what you’ve learned,

boy."

A bead of sweat slipped down Ethan’s temple. He clenched his sword tighter, heart pounding.

He’d already died countless times under Vandelion’s hand. Even at a fraction of his real strength,

the man was monstrous.

But his lips curled into a grin. "Let’s see how far I can push this."

He glanced upward. "System. Start the match."

[Simulation initiated. Opponent power set at 0.1%. Commencing combat.]

Vandelion raised his blade—a simple longsword that, despite its plainness, radiated deadly intent.

"Come."

Ethan exploded into motion, activating Battle Focus.

At once, his world sharpened. Every sound rang crystal-clear. Each hairline crack in Vandelion’s

armor, the faint flex of muscle in the older man’s arm—it all leapt into stark relief.

Gotta keep moving...

He lunged in, swinging his sword for a wide arc. But even at this lower power, Vandelion turned

slightly, deflecting the blow with the flat of his blade. Sparks burst in a tiny starburst where metal

kissed metal.

Ethan immediately vanished into darkness, casting Shadowstep. He reappeared behind

Vandelion, blade swinging for the grandmaster’s back.

But Vandelion didn’t even turn his head. His armored elbow shot backward like a piston. It

slammed into Ethan’s ribs before the swing could connect.

CRACK.

Pain erupted through Ethan’s chest. He flew backward, skidding across the obsidian floor. His

breath wheezed in his throat.

"Too predictable," Vandelion said, still not looking at him.

Ethan pushed himself up, grimacing. His health bar in the corner of his vision had dipped, but not

catastrophically.

"Alright... let’s try this."

He activated Nightmare Veil.

Shadows rose around him in a swirling cloak. His outline blurred and wavered, as though he were

half-submerged in water. Vandelion’s gaze flicked toward him, the older man’s brow knitting

faintly.

"Hm."

Ethan dashed forward, flickering in and out of visibility. He feinted left, then cut right. His blade

hissed toward Vandelion’s side.

But Vandelion pivoted fluidly, reading the feint. His sword lashed out, carving an elegant counterstrike. Ethan barely ducked under the edge, feeling the wind of the passing blade.

Using the opening, Ethan gathered power, shadows swirling around his sword. He swung with all

his strength—

"Abyss Rend!"

A crescent of shadow-infused sword energy tore free from his blade, roaring toward Vandelion.

The arc sizzled through the air like a blade of pure midnight.

Vandelion’s eyes gleamed. He lifted his sword one-handed and simply blocked the wave of dark

energy. The impact shuddered through the plane, sending a gust of wind rolling outward.

Ethan stared. "Are you kidding me?!"

Vandelion lowered his sword. "A decent technique. But your timing is lacking."

Then the Knight Grandmaster stepped forward, his movements deceptively relaxed. A single

swipe of his sword forced Ethan to backpedal. Another thrust—so fast it blurred—nearly pierced

Ethan’s shoulder.

Think, Ethan... think...

Vandelion lunged. Ethan triggered Shadowstep again, reappearing above the grandmaster’s head.

He flipped downward, blade poised for a vicious downward stab.

Vandelion tilted his head slightly and raised a finger.

TAP.

He flicked Ethan’s sword with that one finger. The weapon flew from Ethan’s grip, clattering into

the shadows below.

"Ghh—!"

Vandelion seized Ethan by the collar, hauling him in close.

"You rely too much on tricks, boy. Strength comes from mastery, not just skills."

Then he hurled Ethan across the black floor. Ethan tumbled head over heels, skidding to a stop.

Breathing ragged, Ethan spat out blood.

Okay... he’s right. I can’t just spam skills. I’ve gotta fight smart.

He wiped his mouth, eyes blazing.

"Round two, old man."

He summoned his sword back into his grip with a flourish. This time, he advanced slowly,

watching Vandelion’s weight shift.

Vandelion stepped forward—and Ethan suddenly dropped low, sliding between the grandmaster’s

legs. As he slid past, he swept his sword upward, catching Vandelion’s hamstring.

A faint cut opened. It wasn’t deep, but Vandelion grunted, his movement stuttering for half a

second.

THERE!

Ethan triggered Battle Focus again. He zipped around Vandelion’s flank, hammering him with

three quick strikes. Sparks flew with each blow. Vandelion swung back, but Ethan ducked under

the counter, shadows flickering around him.

"Abyss Rend!"

Another crescent of shadow energy exploded out. This time, Ethan aimed lower, targeting

Vandelion’s knees.

The older knight blocked the upper half of the wave—but the lower edge of the slash caught his

greaves, slicing through armor. Vandelion staggered backward, a look of surprise flashing over his

stoic features.

Ethan didn’t stop. He lunged in, blade flashing.

One cut. Two. Three. He poured in every ounce of his remaining energy. His sword traced dark

arcs through the air, shadow mana swirling like a cyclone.

At last, Ethan slammed the pommel of his sword into Vandelion’s helm. The knight’s head

snapped back, and the grandmaster toppled to one knee.

Vandelion’s sword dropped from his hand, clanging against the floor. He looked up, an approving

grin splitting his rugged face.

"Well struck, Ethan Graves."

[Simulation victory confirmed. Reward: Stat Increase.]

A pop-up materialized in Ethan’s vision:

[Agility: A-]

[Intellect: A-]

Ethan exhaled and dropped to the floor, sweat soaking his shirt. He sat there, trembling and

laughing at once.

"Holy shit... I actually won..."

The simulation around him dissolved into darkness, and he found himself lying back on his bed,

staring at the runed ceiling.

He let out a shuddering breath. "Tomorrow’s gonna feel easy after that..."

Slowly, exhaustion pulled at him, and his eyes drifted shut.

When dawn spilled gold through the velvet curtains, Ethan sat up with a sharp inhale.

Kaeron was tying his cloak, glancing over. "You alive over there, Graves?"

Ethan grinned. "Never better."

Lysena crossed her arms, watching him closely. "Ready for today?"

Ethan cracked his neck. "Don’t worry. I’m going to be the top. You’ll see."

A hush fell as Velexaria stepped into the room.

Today, she wore a new robe—midnight black, sleeveless, cut close to her body to show the

graceful lines of her waist and hips. The plunging neckline hinted at creamy skin, and golden

chains draped artfully over the swell of her chest. The dark fabric shimmered faintly whenever she

moved.

Ethan felt his face heat instantly. Oh... gods... she’s... wow...

He cleared his throat violently and forced his eyes upward. "Tower Master."

Velexaria’s dark lips curved into a knowing smirk. "Ethan. Ready to make the Empire remember

our name?"

Ethan swallowed and gave her a fierce grin. "Hell yes. Let’s go win this thing."

And with that, the Dark Tower squad strode out into the morning light, ready to carve their legend

into the heart of the Empire.

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